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Guardiola eagerly anticipating Shakhtar clash

Pep Guardiola is relishing the challenge Shakhtar Donetsk will pose Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League last 16.

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Written ByAlex Fisher

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The two clubs will meet for the first time after being drawn
together on Monday, but Bayern coach Guardiola knows the Ukrainian
champions well having faced them on numerous occasions while in
charge of Barcelona.

And the Spaniard expects a tough test when they meet again next
February.

"Bayern have never played against Donetsk, but I have five
times, four times in the Champions League and once in the Super
Cup, and I even lost to them once," Guardiola said.

"Mircea Lucescu is one of the best coaches in Europe.

"They have many good Brazilians, young talented players who
always like to attack.

"I am looking forward to the ties and I think it will be an
excellent match as both teams like to attack.

"I have a lot of respect for the opponent."

Guardiola went on to stress that he will not allow his players'
minds to drift to the Champions League yet as they look to cement
their place at the top of the Bundesliga.

Bayern host Freiburg on Tuesday before travelling to Mainz on
Friday for their final game before the mid-season break.

"I cannot accept a reason for saying tomorrow [against Freiburg]
is not the most important game for us at the moment," Guardiola
added.